Out of this world! 

THE WYLD – out of this world

ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin, with its attractive and central location in “Mitte”, a borough of Berlin, is truly just a few steps away from the world of art and culture! From here you can access the highlights of Berlin’s theatre scene on foot in just a few minutes. You’ll find one of the gems of this scene literally just around the corner: the Friedrichstadt-Palast, with the world’s largest theatre stage!

“A fixed star of evening entertainment in Berlin”, “Las Vegas in Berlin”…reviews of the famous show palace from the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” and the “Sunday Times”, to quote just two examples. With its dimensions you could even say it is the only one of its kind in the world! It’s best to come and see for yourself with a visit to the new show “THE WYLD – out of this world”! Let over 100 artists dazzle you in a unique show of world-class artistry. The Friedrichstadt-Palast itself describes its new highlight with these words: “THE WYLD – this is human nature in all its facets and the wilderness of the metropolis. It is populated by flamboyant mavericks, city slickers and intergalactic metamorphoses – ultra-modern and archaic, bizarre and futuristic.”

Staying at the ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin you will not only experience this impressive show, but also enjoy a relaxing overnight stay just next door! You will stay in one of our comfortable Superior rooms where a cosy and relaxed atmosphere awaits you. In the evening you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine at our bar VELVET LOUNGE to get yourself in the mood for the show. After a visit to the Friedrichstadt-Palast and a good night’s sleep, you can lie in for as long as you want the next day as you have the room until 3 pm! 

Enjoy Berlin with our special “THE WYLD – the new SHOW” –
it can be reserved for the period of 7th October 2014 to 30th September 2015:
                                              
•    1 overnight stay in the Superior room
•    Ticket(s) for the “THE WYLD” show from the Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin
     (for the 7.30 pm evening performance in Category 2)
•    1 glass of sparkling wine in the VELVET LOUNGE on the day of the performance
•    1 bottle of mineral water per stay in the room
•    Late check-out up to 3 pm on the day of departure

Just book online here!

If you have any questions please contact our team from the reservations department: 
E reservation.velvet@arcotelhotels.com | T +49 30 278 753 914

ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin | Oranienburger Straße 52 | 10117 Berlin
T +49 30 278 753-0 | E velvet@arcotelhotels.com

Everything taken care of at the Berlin Marathon 2014!

The world-famous BMW Berlin Marathon takes place again on 28 September 2014! For the 41st time, keen runners from all over the world will meet with just one goal in mind: to complete the 42-kilometre course without any major aches and pains.

Copyright SCC EVENTS/PHOTORUN

When it comes to preparing for a race like this, nutrition is every bit as important as training, which is why our Berlin sister hotel, the ARCOTEL John F at Werderschen Markt, is offering a special Pasta Buffet to mark the occasion for the third time! Spaghetti with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes and grated cheese, grilled chicken breast with herbed rice and courgettes, or Mediterranean pasta salad with tuna and olives are just some of the dishes that will provide runners with the carbohydrates they need before the big day. Fresh salads, soups and fruit complete the menu at the Pasta Party on the evening of 27 September 2014.

Pasta Buffet at the ARCOTEL John F Berlin
Price: EUR 19.90 per person
To make a reservation, please contact:
+49 30 40 50 46-1800 or restaurant.johnf@arcotelhotels.com
 

Nutrition is just as vital once the main event is over to give the body an opportunity to recover properly. As bananas contain practically everything an athlete needs to do this, we will be supplying our hotel guests with this delicious yellow fruit at the ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin on marathon Sunday! Bananas are one of the most popular fruits among athletes, and with good reason. Firstly, they are high in carbohydrates, replenishing carbohydrate reserves both during and after physical exertion and providing an energy boost. Secondly, bananas have a very low starch content, making them easy to digest and easier on the stomach during sporting activities.

The next day, athletes and spectators at both hotels will have the opportunity to enjoy a fresh regional breakfast. In conjunction with our culinary neighbours at BERLIN_THEKE, the ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin will be offering a hearty breakfast buffet on Monday 29 September 2014. With delicacies ranging from hearty to sweet in a comfortable atmosphere filled with typical Berlin flair and a passion for art, this event provides the perfect ending to the marathon weekend!

Breakfast at BERLIN THEKE next door

ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin | Oranienburger Straße 52 | 10117 Berlin
T +49 30 278 753-0 | E velvet@arcotelhotels.com

Curtain Up!

The “HackeschenHöfe”, a historic courtyard complex which now houses an outstanding range of shops, galleries and restaurants, is an absolute MUST for any visitor to Berlin. It is also home to the legendary Chamäleon Theater. Our special “Curtain Up!” package provides an opportunity to experience the charm of the HackeschenHöfe at first hand by attending the latest show to hit the theatre – CROSSROADS.

Enjoy the cosy atmosphere of one of our comfortable Superior Rooms before getting in the right mood for the evening ahead over a glass of sparkling wine in our VELVET LOUNGE. A heady mix of circus artistry, dance choreography and live music then awaits you on the stage of the Chamäleon Theater, just a short walk away.

Enjoy Berlin with our special “Curtain Up!” offer:

•     One night’s accommodation in a Superior Room
•     One glass of sparkling wine per person on the day of the performance
•     One bottle of mineral water per stay provided in your room
•     Ticket(s) for the show CROSSROADS at the Chamäleon Theater Berlin  
•      (best possible seats, at least Category 2)

Price: from EUR 112,00

Can be reserved up to7 days in advance. Available from 26 August 2014 to 22 February 2015. Performance times: Tue - Fri: 8:00 pm, Sat - Sun: 6:00 pm. .

Simply book online or contact a member of our Reservations team:
E reservation.velvet@arcotelhotels.com
T +49 30 278 753 914

Review: ARCOTEL Onyx Hamburg has the "Most Stylish Toilet 2013"

ARCOTEL Hotels was delighted to be presented with a somewhat different type of award in March 2013: The toilets in the ARCOTEL Onyx Hamburg, which was newly opened in 2012, were voted by Tempo as the "Most Stylish Toilet 2013".

The address of the hotel, Reeperbahn 1A, suggests the need for a very unique type of toilet. The owner of the ARCOTEL Group, Dr. Renate Wimmer, also recognised this and set up a "public toilet workgroup" for this purpose. "We all delved into our imaginations at the first meeting – someone even suggested a 'dog toilet'", says Dr. Renate Wimmer. It was important, however, that the toilets weren’t too strange. This gave Dr. Renate Wimmer the idea of using mosaic art to create a magnificent male figure in the ladies’ toilets and a seductive female figure in the men’s toilets. The stylish works of art were created from individual stones and hand-fitted. An additional highlight for the ladies’ toilets: visitors have a choice of cubicle size - S, M, L and XL.

ARCOTEL owner Dr. Renate Wimmer, along with the entire team at ARCOTEL Onyx Hamburg, is pleased to be presented with this very unique award. "Our thanks go to Tempo for organising this excellent and ‘somewhat different’ competition. Most importantly, thank you to our guests! We are delighted that visitors to the ARCOTEL Onyx Hamburg enjoy even the toilet facilities", says Dr. Renate Wimmer.

Anyone wanting to visit this special toilet should arrange a visit to Hamburg straight away!

ARCOTEL Onyx

20359 Hamburg | Reeperbahn 1 A

T +49 40 209 409-0 | F +49 40 209 409-2550

E onyx@arcotelhotels.com | www.arcotelhotels.com/onyx

Cocktail refreshments at Joe’s Bar

How can you find the best way to refresh yourself during summer in Zagreb? Along with beautiful parks in the very centre of the city such as Zrinjevac, Ribnjak and Botanical Garden where you can truly enjoy the natural beauties, hotel ARCOTEL Allegra has prepared for the hot summer days an offer of various refreshing lemonades and freshly squeezed juices as well as cocktails made by the best cocktail masters.

Roman Rabik – this year’s winner at the contest for the best barman in Croatia and Marija Cindrić – last year’s winner in making cocktails who also demonstrated her skills in preparing cocktails at the end competition at Eiffel’s Tower in Paris, will prepare your favourite refreshing cocktail only for you. The Watermelon Mimosa, Cuba Libra, BBG Bloody Mary with crunchy bacon, Banana Watermelon Daiyuiri, Bellini, Tom Collins, Mojito a la Cuba, BBQ Colada are only some of the finer cocktails that will not leave you indifferent. Our skilled cocktail masters reveal that each of these cocktails has its own story and special method of preparation.

Visit us at Joe’s Bar, refresh yourself with your favourite cocktail and greet our winners who will surely surprise you with their creations. The fact that we have the best cocktail masters is also proven by numerous newspaper articles such as the daily paper “24 sata”. Our Joe’s Bar is open every day from 07:00 to 01:00h. We are looking forward to your visit!

The World of Cocktails - Trends that we hope last a little longer

When temperatures start to rise, what better way could there be to enjoy summer than with a cool drink, colourfully garnished for visual appeal and with plenty of ice. So once you’ve found a place in your favourite bar, you can settle down for the hard part. Shaken or stirred? The famous question from the James Bond films was yesterday. Today, our barkeeper Hans Höfer reveals the hottest cocktail trends of the summer season and those we hope will be trending for a little while longer:

Barkeeper Hans Höfer

For the Adventurous: Fresh Herbs and Spices

What has long been commonplace in the kitchen can now be found in cocktail mixers: fresh herbs and spices in fruity cocktails. Adventurous barkeepers are reaching for basil, ginger, thyme and sage to create a trend that not only tastes good, but is healthy as well. The reason is that herbs contain many valuable substances like minerals, trace elements and chlorophyll. 

For the Hard-Bitten: Booze Infusions

If you’re the sort of person who only uses a teabag when you have a cold, then you’ve obviously never heard of the latest trend: Booze infusions. Take a common or garden teabag and let it steep in vodka or gin. Topped with lime juice, ginger ale or cucumber, there’s no better way to cool down on hot summer days. 

For Real Royals: Sparkling Wine Cocktails

Cocktails with sparkling wine or champagne are once again at the top of the summer hit list. And as well as the famous Kir Royal, there are plenty of new flavours to be enjoyed. Purée some fresh berries and then top up the mixture with champagne. And if you like, you can also add a dash of spirits to the fruity drink. 

For Hotheads: Lemonade Cocktails

Admittedly, lemonade cocktails are not really cocktails. But if we follow the definition that a cocktail is a mixed drink made of two or more ingredients, then lemonade cocktails certainly deserve a place on our list! As real all-rounders they offer refreshment on hot summer days and also provide the body with liquids. How about a homemade elderberry or lime and ginger lemonade? Simple recipes that you can try out at home can be found on chefkoch.de.
 

Cocktail Happy Hour @ U-ONE Bar 
Every day between 10.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. you can enjoy all cocktails for just EUR 5.10!

Do not miss the summer in Zagreb and hotel ARCOTEL

With its seductive charm, numerous bars and restaurants, Zagreb as one of the major shopping destinations and cultural sites offers more than expected. Are you a lover of cultural events or you cannot resist the shopping tours in Zagreb? Zagreb offers not only numerous cultural attractions, but also urban and modern architecture that creates the perfect balance for a perfect visit to this versatile and interesting city.

To avoid the summer heat, Zagreb offers many parks such as Maksimir, the main Zagreb park, with its 316 hectares of land. Within the park you can visit the zoo which is the oldest Croatian zoo. The first design hotel in Zagreb – ARCOTEL Allegra strongly recommends that you visit this natural oasis.

Only one weekend is enough to get to know the Croatia’s capital. The symbol of West European culture and the seductive charm of the Mediterranean will be good enough reason to pack your bags and set off to visit Croatia’s capital.

We recommend these attractions worth visiting during your stay in Zagreb:

-          Botanical Garden

-          numerous museums in old town core

-          old town core with richly decorated facades and palaces

-          numerous bars, restaurants and designer shops in the city centre

Simply a hit

Once again this year crazy outfits, brightly coloured hair and colourful glasses captured Hamburg's inner city – and the ARCOTEL Onyx Hamburg was right in the middle of it all. Every summer since 1997 the Schlagermove Festival has made its way through the famous St. Pauli district. This year's "colourful festival of love" took place on June 28th, 2014. The world's largest Schlager (hit music from the 1970s and 1980s) party delights Schlager fans from all over Germany, and recorded approx. 500,000 visitors this year despite the rainy weather.

The heart of the festival was a procession of 45 colourfully decorated floats, which made their way from Heiligengeistfeld to the Landungsbrücken and the Millerntorplatz, then back to Heiligengeistfeld. The ARCOTEL Onyx Hamburg, with its location at the start of the Reeperbahn, is directly in the middle of the action, and at the same time was a small rest area for stranded Schlager fans, to who we were happy to open our doors as a meeting point or as an oasis for refuelling. In the middle of the action, not just a spectator – the party atmosphere infected the whole building; guests and employees celebrated the festival together. 

Following the Schlagermove there was, as always, a large Aftermove party on the Heiligengeistfeld, in a party space of over 6,000 square meters and with five party tents. A colourful DJ program and live performances from Heino and others ensured a great atmosphere until deep into the night.

We are already looking forward to the Schlagermove in 2015!

ARCOTEL Onyx

20359 Hamburg | Reeperbahn 1 A

T +49 40 209 409-0 | F +49 40 209 409-2550

E onyx@arcotelhotels.com | www.arcotelhotels.com/onyx

A culinary journey through the long and hot summer

Summer is already here, and with it our new culinary offer, which will be at your disposal until the end of August. Since something light, refreshing and nice is necessary with the arrival of the warm summer months, our offer is designed to keep your mind and body vital and healthy. It does not matter whether you are on your way to the Adriatic or returning to your place of residence, and you want to make a break in Zagreb or you have plans to visit the Croatian capital, our great summer offer will make your stay in Zagreb even more beautiful and interesting.

Our chef Ivan Simončić and his team created the following just for you:

"Summer light cuisine" – various light salads (from EUR 4,60) & selected Croatian wines (from EUR 2,70)

"Pasta Italiana" – delicious pasta meals at exceptional prices from EUR 6,20

"Fresh & healthy collection" – freshly squeezed juices & refreshing homemade lemonades from EUR 2,60

In addition to this offer, our menu also features other fine Croatian and Austrian specialties, as well as the best cocktails in Croatia prepared by officially the most creative cocktail master of Croatia, our very own Roman Rabik!

We will reveal some of the most important summer events in the city so you can have lasting memories of Zagreb. What is happening in the Croatian capital during the summer months:

Zagreb Time Machine
26. 4. - 5. 10. 2014.

Summer at Štros - STROSSMARTRE 2014
29. 5. - 15. 9. 2014.

Top Gear Live
3. 7. 2014.

International Fireworks Festival
4. 7. - 6. 7. 2014

48^th International Folklore Festival 
16. - 20. 7. 2014.

Since the ARCOTEL Allegra hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the main square and the picturesque old town centre, it presents the ideal starting point to visit the aforementioned events, explore the cultural sights of the city and shopping tours. Enjoy our culinary journey and discover the beauties of the Croatian capital. The ARCOTEL Allegra team invites you and looks forward to your visit!

Extended Due to Popular Demand: Vegan Barbecue at the ARCOTEL Kaiserwasser!

On 7 June 2014 we launched this year’s BBQ season with a vegan barbecue evening. In response to popular demand, we have now scheduled an additional three dates for all friends of vegan cuisine: From July to September our executive chef Johann Schwarz will again be heating up the grill on the first Saturday of every month.

A variety of vegan hors d’oeuvres will be served before things get hot around the char grill. With everything from marinated seitan steak, Asian vegetable and tofu skewers, and veggie burgers vegan guests too will now be spoiled for choice. The barbecue is rounded off by a large selection of summer salads and fresh side dishes, while the view of the Alte Donau from the terrace invites diners to enjoy their meal under the summer skies.

Vegan Barbecue
5 July, 2 August, 6 September 2014 | from 6.00 p.m.
EUR 38.00 p.p. incl. All-U-Can-Eat Buffet
Parking in our underground car park subject to availability

Reservation
T +43 1 224 24-866
E restaurantuno@arcotelhotels.com
www.restaurantuno.at

We look forward to seeing you at the ARCOTEL Kaiserwasser!

ARCOTEL Allegra Zagreb hotel offers the best cocktails in the world!

It is now official: Roman Rabik is one of the best cocktail masters in the world. At the "10^th Havana Club Cocktail Grand Prix 2014" competition held in Cuba, Roman competed with 48 participants from around the world with his cocktail called "Magnifico“.

After the previously held national competition, the world competition "10^th Havana Club Cocktail Grand Prix 2014" was held last week, where the best cocktail masters in the world competed. As its name suggests, the competition was held in the Caribbean Islands, which is a "birthplace" of rum, and proved to be the perfect host. Before they started the competition, 48 participants from around the world had the opportunity to learn many interesting things about Cuba and its national drink, and for this reason the participants visited squares, markets, bars, producers of rum and tobacco, and participated in various seminars. The aim was to familiarize all participants with the Cuban culture, so that they could get the best inspiration for the creation of a "new classic Cuban cocktail".

The decisive event was held on Thursday, May 5^th 2014: Roman Rabik mixed his cocktail in front of numerous people and in front of the high-ranking expert jury, calling it "Magnifico". It is prepared from local Cuban food purchased at markets of Havana, and mixed with chili, salted banana, white chocolate and rum, results in the finest cocktail of specific taste. "An incredible experience!" Rabik says enthusiastically, "A week in Cuba was very intense. I got home with a lot of beautiful impressions and ideas. I am looking forward to surprising the guests of ARCOTEL Allegra hotel with some new creations!"

The success of Roman Rabik makes the hotel manager Ljiljana Mikic very happy: "We always knew that we have an especially talented and creative member of our team in our Joe's bar, and we are extremely proud that he is the best in Croatia!"

And in order to convince yourself in the skills of our very own Roman Rabik, come to the ARCOTEL Allegra Zagreb hotel and enjoy the most delicious cocktails prepared by the hands of a true cocktail master!

Summer in Zagreb

Croatian metropolis offers a handful of various interesting events during the summer, which you should not miss. Events which ARCOTEL Allegra Zagreb should single out are:

- Zagreb Time Machine held from April 26^th to October 5^th, during which you can experience Gornji grad in the past, enjoy the dance evenings and promos at Zrinjevac and Maksimir, Tkalčijana - the street of music and entertainment, folk scene and various surprises.

- the traditional Summer on Stross held from May 23^rd to September 15^th, which calls for a summer break, and offers interesting events such as the participation of a number of singers and musicians, an art colony, a small puppet theatre, welcoming 1/2 of the year, and an exhibition of mongrel dogs.

- INmusic festival from June 23^rd – 25^th, during which Zagreb becomes the main centre of music spectacle for all lovers of modern music.

- "Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival" for all lovers of film, held from June 27^th to July 05^th.

In addition to the above events, the program includes a number of other events, such as the International Festival of Fireworks, 48^th International Folklore Festival, Croatian World Games and many others. Check our calendar of events and find out more!

A brief overview of summer events in Zagreb:

Zagreb Time Machine 26. 4. 2014. - 5. 10. 2014.

Summer on Stross - STROSSMARTRE 2014    23. 5. 2014. - 15. 9. 2014.

INmusic festival 2014.  23. 6. 2014. - 25. 6. 2014.

Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival   27. 6. 2014. - 5. 7. 2014.

International Festival of Fireworks   4. 7. 2014. - 6. 7. 2014.

48^th International Folklore Festival 16. 7. 2014. - 20. 7. 2014.

Croatian World Games - Zagreb 2014   21. 7. 2014. - 26. 7. 2014. 

MYSTERY SURROUNDS A MURDER IN VIENNA’S HISTORIC CITY CENTRE

As a child I loved brainteasers. I simply couldn’t get enough of puzzles, playing hide-and-seek in the garden or going on treasure hunts. And that hasn’t changed much since I became an adult. So I was all the more thrilled when I received an invitation to the Vienna City Hunt for my birthday. A dangerous decision, as it would turn out …

Together with two friends, I set off to the historic centre of Vienna on a Friday afternoon. It was pouring with rain, but that didn’t spoil our mood. We were too excited about the prospect of tracking down our suspect. Arriving at the operations centre of the local police headquarters – a typical Viennese coffee house near St. Stephen’s cathedral – we got to know our team of investigators and were given the file about the cold-blooded murder.

Once we had the details of the operation and had been given an emergency phone number in case we should run into any problems, we went straight back onto the streets and took up the trail through the centre of Vienna. But tracking down the perpetrator was no easy matter! The more witnesses we found, the more confused their statementsappeared to be. But although the investigation became increasingly difficult, we eventually managed to put the facts together correctly and identify a perpetrator.

Back at the operations centre, we reviewed the hunt with the other teams and treated ourselves to a cup of steaming coffee as we were soaked through.
We can definitely recommend it. A tricky challenge for young and old, and one where you have to demonstrate your logical thinking skills.
 

http://www.cityhunt.at/
An article by Claudia H.: